A Tibetan cast gilt copper alloy figure of Sarvabuddhadakini, 19th Century.
Depicted as a young goddess surrounded by flames, wearing a necklace/garland and crown of skulls, in her upraised left hand she is holding a skull cup (kapala) full of the life-blood of the demons of ignorance, in her right hand she is holding a ritual knife (kartika). Richly bejeweled and standing on top of a lotus throne. Attributes, throne and mandorla in repoussé. Height 32,6 cm.
Provenance: Formerly Philip Goldman Collection, London.
From an important Swedish collection of Buddhist art, Stockholm. See also lot 141, 188 and 193.
Prostrate divine figures under her feet, and the khatvanga staff missing. Wear.
Provenance
Formerly Philip Goldman Collection, London.
From an important Swedish collection of Buddhist art, Stockholm. See also lot 141, 188 and 193.
Literature
Ulrich von Shroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes; 127F, depicted on p. 459.
Compare: Marilyn M. Rhie, Robert A.F. Thurman, A shrine for Tibet. The Alice S. Kandell Collection; III-7, p. 150-151. An almost identical figure of Naro Dakini, dated to mid-18th Century.
More information
The Dakini of all Buddhas. Dakinis or Yoginis are sky-walkers (a witch or fairy who wanders in the air), in some cases celestial female beings, and sometimes, earthly women who possess supernatural wisdom and powers. They have initiated, taught, and assisted many great Indian and Tibetan yogis in performing esoteric Vajrayana rituals. For every dhyani Buddha there is an affiliated dakini. A Sarvabuddhadakini, however, has access to all the Buddhas and thus is more powerful.